Roof insurance claims are denied far too often, leaving homeowners to worry about how they’ll cover the repair expenses on their own. This is an extremely frustrating situation, especially when you’ve done your part to pay home insurance premiums throughout the years. The good news is that you can dispute it. Here’s what to do if insurance denied your roof claim.
Why Did Insurance Deny Your Roof Claim?
When it comes down to it, insurance companies will try to find any reason possible to deny your roof claim. There can be several reasons why they could deny a claim, and some of the most common causes include the following:
- Pre-existing damage: If the damage to the roof was present before the insurance policy was taken out, then the insurance company may deny the claim.
- Lack of maintenance: The insurance company might try to say that a lack of proper care or neglect caused damage to the roof.
- Wear and tear: If the roof is old or has been in use for a long time, then the insurance company may deny the claim based on wear and tear.
- Incorrect installation: The insurance company could deny the claim if they determine the roof was not installed properly.
- Policy exclusions: Insurance can deny the claim if the specific type of damage is not covered under the insurance policy.
- Late filing: Insurance companies have a time frame that you must file your claim within after the accident occurs. If you’re late to filing, the claim can be denied.
What To Do if Insurance Denies Your Roof Claim: 5 Steps
If your insurance company denies your roofing claim, you should take action right away. Here are the best steps to take to try and get the money you deserve:
1. Review Your Insurance Policy
The first thing you should do is carefully review your insurance policy. Look at the specific language related to understand why your claim was denied. Was it denied due to it being an excluded or non-covered event, or denied due to wear and tear or something else? There might be a straightforward answer as to why your claim was denied.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
If you can’t fight the answer as to why your claim was denied, you should contact your insurance company. Get more information about the denial, and if there still isn’t a valid reason, let them know you will be fighting it.
3. Dispute the Claim
If you believe that your claim was unfairly denied, you can dispute the denial and ask for a second inspection. Each insurance company will have a different dispute process, but they’ll always send out their own adjuster to reevaluate your roof damage.
Upon evaluation, the adjuster may find new evidence that indicates your policy should cover the damage, and your dispute will be approved. Or, they may conclude that the original ruling stands. In this case, there are steps you can take.
4. Get a Professional Roof Examination (Not by an Adjuster!)
When you’re dealing with insurance adjusters, we always recommend that you also contact a qualified roofing professional to perform an additional inspection. A second, more neutral opinion helps ensure you’re getting all the relevant information.
5. Seek Legal Assistance.
If the roofing company discovers reasonable evidence that you were wrongly denied your insurance claim, it's time to seek legal help.
Talk with a reputable insurance dispute attorney and seek professional assistance. They can help you file an appeal, defend your case, and get you the money you deserve, so you can have peace of mind.
The Lane Law Firm Is Here To Help
If you're denied claim coverage by your insurance company or are getting the runaround from your insurer, the knowledgeable attorneys at The Lane Law Firm are here to help.
Our team of insurance coverage attorneys are well-versed in insurance companies' tactics to manipulate the claims process to their advantage. We’re dedicated to holding these companies fully accountable under the terms of their policies and the applicable state laws. If you are facing a commercial roof claim that has been denied, significantly undervalued, or delayed, we are here to help. Get in touch with our office today to learn more about how we can assist you.
